The Rainbow Team never defied the boss's rules!
Obviously.
Ore's liberation time was too short, even though the living environment changed dramatically, many people's mindsets hadn't completely turned around yet.
The idea that gang rules were more important than anything was deeply engraved in their hearts.
Even Shanren, the mayor of Pyrite Town, was subconsciously just viewed as a more powerful leader by them.
"...Alright, have you all eaten yet? Let's find a place to have a meal."
Baimu also noticed this and his expression stiffened slightly.
The appearance of these guys not only stirred up his memories, but also brought back his way of commanding people in Pyrite Town.
The power of habit is truly terrifying.
Otsuka and the others naturally didn't refuse, giggling and chattering around him non-stop.
In fact.
Baimu had just ended the victory celebration not long ago, and when talking to Shanren, learned that Otsuka and the others had already arrived in Ever Grande City, but didn't disturb him for fear of affecting his competition state.
He hurriedly hung up the phone and contacted these unreliable guys.
——
Late night.
In the hotel room.
Baimu leaned lazily against the pillow, and the originally spacious bedroom was now filled with Pokémon of various sizes.
The Altered-color Milotic, who was next to the window-gazing Aggron, hummed softly.
"Milo~ Mi~"
The left head of the Hydreigon held a Galarian Corsola, the right head was playing with Brother Dragapult, while the middle head watched Baimu.
The three heads each had their own thoughts, keeping busy.
By the window.
A Blissey with Sister Dragapult resting quietly on its head, alongside a Mawile, crowded into a stuffed-toy-filled sofa watching TV, while the invisible Dragapult sneakily joined in with a peculiar pose.
At the foot of the bed, the Altered-color Gengar was nestled against a fluffy pillow, deeply engrossed in the game console Baimu bought for it, letting out bursts of eerie laughter now and then.
Only the Mega Steelix lay coiled in the outer living room, with a small section of its tail stretched onto the balcony, eyes shut and emitting a low, deep snore, breathing steadily, clearly in good sleep.
On the night of the victory.
Besides the well-adjusted Steelix, all other Pokémon basically couldn't sleep.
Baimu didn't interfere with them, discussing with the Porygon II on his phone about the series of wrap-up tasks before returning to Ore.
Everything has its priority.
The most pressing issue was undoubtedly the Porygon Z Zero.
This fellow, in pursuit of its space dream, embezzled a large sum of mysterious funds to purchase space materials and frequently attempted to sway Porygon II.
It was time to take decisive action against it!
Following that, the second stop was the Glazed Gym, for farewells to Adam, Mikoli, and the old butler Sebastian, who had taken such good care of him.
The third stop was Meteor Village.
His Key Stone was acquired from a trial given by the elders, so after the tournament concluded, he needed to go back and visit, especially since Xijana had helped him so much.
The fourth and final stop—the Valley of Creation.
Balza had mentioned that his grandfather wanted to meet Baimu, so he absolutely couldn't miss it.
This curious character, who a hundred years ago mastered the mighty power to seal the Demon God Hoopa, might have seen something unique about his existence.
Crossing dimensions?
Divine Heart?
Whatever it might be.
Baimu never feared having his origins exposed, as the Pokémon World had turned into a multiverse ever since the Sun and Moon versions, or even earlier with the Gemstone Reproduction versions.
Arceus even orchestrated crossover events.
With a clear conscience, he feared not meeting Balza's grandfather.
And once the Valley of Creation visit was over.
The rest were matters of less urgency.
For instance, exploring the ancient tomb where Registeel resided, using the simulator rewards to get clues on the Legendary Pokémon, etc.
With the schedule set up.
Baimu put down his phone and turned off the bedside lamp.
Once he fell asleep, the previously playful or TV-watching Pokémon instantly quieted down, setting aside their activities and finding places to sleep.
Corsola dropped onto the bed, glancing discontentedly at the Hydreigon.
"Grr..."
Seeing Milotic sleepily coil around itself, Aggron resignedly carried it to the bathroom and placed it in a water-filled bathtub, then circled around the Steelix in the living room and headed to the balcony.
Whew...
It gazed at the moon, feeling inner peace and serenity, and soon fell into a deep sleep.
A dreamless night.
The next day.
Baimu got up early and, together with everyone, went to buy souvenirs from Ever Grande City.
Among them, Xiaogang bought the most.
"It's been a while since I've been home, I must bring lots of gifts!" he exclaimed, carrying armfuls of bags, his face filled with joy.
Being someone with nine younger siblings, buying gifts to bring home always felt like escaping with his family in tow.
A spatial bag?
Each one! Already packed full!
Baimu tugged at the corner of his mouth and asked, "Did you also buy gifts for Miss Joy and Miss Jun Sha of the Kanto Region?"
"Oh? Baimu, how did you know? Could it be that you also appreciate the allure of the big sisters? Then I must—"
Xiaogang's narrow eyes lit up, ready to say more when his gaze fell on Baimu's uncommonly handsome face.
He immediately deflated, "I guess with your looks, you don't need my experience."
"Rest assured, I won't compete with you for the big sisters, keep up the good work, Xiaogang!"
Baimu comfortingly patted him on the shoulder.
The others laughed together.
Ever Grande City Harbor.
Several large ships heading to different cities and regions were docked there, with departing tourists orderly queuing up.
Explaining the decision not to join the Champion Alliance to everyone, they understood and accepted it.
Alice especially agreed.